Alexs Pates' Amistad is an intriguing story reflecting the political climate concerning slavery in the late 1830's and early 1840's. The story follows a young African man by the name of Sengbe (dubbed Cinque by his Spanish captors) through the travels and hardships of an African slave. From the time of his abduction in Africa, across the middle passage, and for the duration of the trials in America, the reader is able to see Cinque develop and grow as both a leader and an individual; also, Cinque's values are clearly expressed through his actions and decisions in conflict situations with other characters throughout the story.

Cinque is an African man from the Mende tribe of West Africa, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He sees himself as a nothing more than a hardworking farmer who will fight for his family and his freedom, but would not consider...